Cardiovascular diseaseSeveral lines of evidence point to beneficial effects of VLCKD on cardiovascular risk factors. In the past, there have been doubts expressed about their long-term safety and increased effectiveness compared with ‘balanced’ diets,25 and clearly negative opinions regarding possible deleterious effects on triglycerides and cholesterol levels in the blood.26However, the majority of recent studies seem instead to amply demonstrate that the reduction of carbohydrates to levels that induce physiological ketosis (see above ‘What is ketosis?’ section) can actually lead to significant benefits in blood lipid profiles.15, 17, 27 The VLCKD effect seems to be particularly marked on the level of blood triglycerides,24, 28 but there are also significant positive effects on total cholesterol reduction and increases in high-density lipoprotein.24, 28, 29Furthermore, VLCKD have been reported to increase the size and volume of low-density lipoprotein–cholesterol particles,29 which is considered to reduce cardiovascular disease risk, as smaller low-density lipoprotein particles have a higher atherogenicity. There are also direct diet-related effects on overall endogenous cholesterol synthesis. A key enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis is 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl–CoA reductase (the target for statins), which is activated by insulin, which means that an increase in blood glucose and consequently of insulin levels will lead to increased endogenous cholesterol synthesis. A reduction in dietary carbohydrate will have the opposite effect and this, coupled with the additional inhibition by dietary cholesterol and fats on endogenous synthesis, is likely to be the mechanism via which physiological ketosis can improve lipid profiles. Hence, there are strong doubts about the negative effects of dietary fats when they are consumed as part of a VLCKD, on cholesterol and triglycerides blood levels, whereas there are strong pointers to the beneficial effects of VLCKD on these cardiovascular risk parameters.27, 28

Beyond weight loss: a review of the therapeutic uses of very-low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) dietsOPENA Paoli1, A Rubini1, J S Volek2 and K A Grimaldi3

Type 2 diabetes Insulin resistance is the primary feature underlying type 2 diabetes (T2D) but it also exists across a continuum in the general population, and to varying extents it disrupts insulin action in cells, which can cause a wide spectrum of signs and symptoms. A primary feature of insulin resistance is an impaired ability of muscle cells to take up circulating glucose. A person with insulin resistance will divert a greater proportion of dietary carbohydrate to the liver where much of it is converted to fat (that is, de novo lipogenesis), as opposed to being oxidized for energy in skeletal muscle.30 Although Hellerstein31has recently reported that de novo lipogenesis contributes only ~20% of new triglycerides, this greater conversion of dietary carbohydrate into fat, much of it entering the circulation as saturated fat, is a metabolic abnormality that significantly increases risk for diabetes and heart disease. Thus, insulin resistance functionally manifests itself as ‘carbohydrate intolerance’. When dietary carbohydrate is restricted to a level below which it is not significantly converted to fat (a threshold that varies from person to person), signs and symptoms of insulin resistance improve or often disappear completely.

In studies that have evaluated well-formulated very-low-carbohydrate diets and documented high rates of compliance in individuals with T2D, results have been nothing short of remarkable. Bistrian et al.32 reported withdrawal of insulin and major weight loss in a matter of weeks in T2D individuals who were fed a very-low-calorie and -carbohydrate diet. Gumbiner et al.33 fed obese T2D individuals two types of hypocaloric (650 kcal) diets for 3 weeks, they were matched for protein but one was much lower in carbohydrate content (24 vs 94 g/day). As expected, the lower-carbohydrate diet resulted in significantly greater levels of circulating ketones (~3 mmol/l), which was strongly associated with a lower hepatic glucose output. Interestingly, there was a strong inverse correlation between circulating ketones and hepatic glucose output, suggesting that higher levels of ketones are associated with more favourable effects on glycaemic control in diabetics. More recently, Boden et al.34 performed an in-patient study in obese T2D individuals who were fed a low-carbohydrate (<20 g/day) diet for 2 weeks. Plasma glucose fell from 7.5 to 6.3 mmol/l, haemoglobin A1c decreased from 7.3 to 6.8% and there were dramatic improvements (75%) in insulin sensitivity.

In a longer study35 obese T2D individuals were prescribed a well-formulated ketogenic diet for 56 weeks, and significant improvements in both weight loss and metabolic parameters were seen at 12 weeks and continued throughout the 56 weeks as evidenced by improvements in fasting circulating levels of glucose (−51%), total cholesterol (−29%), high-density lipoprotein–cholesterol (63%), low-density lipoprotein–cholesterol (−33%) and triglycerides (−41%). It is of interest to note that in a recent study in overweight non/diabetic subjects, it was reported that during ketosis fasting glucose was not affected, but there was an elevation in post-prandial blood glucose concentration. This data suggests a different effect of ketosis on glucose homeostasis in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.21 Other studies support the long-term efficacy of ketogenic diets in managing complications of T2D.36, 37 Although significant reductions in fat mass often results when individuals restrict carbohydrate, the improvements in glycaemic control, haemoglobin A1c and lipid markers, as well as reduced use or withdrawal of insulin and other medications in many cases, occurs before significant weight loss occurs. Moreover, in isocaloric experiments individuals with insulin resistance showed dramatically improved markers of metabolic syndrome than diets lower in fat.27 It is interesting in this respect that a recent extremely large epidemiological study reported that diabetes risk is directly correlated, in an apparently causative manner, with sugar intake alone, independently of weight or sedentary lifestyle.38

In summary, individuals with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and T2D (all diseases of carbohydrate intolerance) are likely to see symptomatic as well as objective improvements in biomarkers of disease risk if they follow a well-formulated very-low-carbohydrate diet. Glucose control improves not only because there is less glucose coming in, but also because systemic insulin sensitivity improves as well.

Beyond weight loss: a review of the therapeutic uses of very-low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) dietsOPENA Paoli1, A Rubini1, J S Volek2 and K A Grimaldi3

Since 1920, the ketogenic diet has been recognized as an effective tool in the treatment of severe childhood epilepsy, but following the introduction of anticonvulsant drugs, the interest in ketogenic diet treatment waned until the 1990s, with subsequent research and clinical trials demonstrating its practical usefulness. Various studies have been carried out to understand its mechanism of action in epilepsy, but until now it remains largely uncertain.5 Several hypotheses have been put forward trying to explain the mechanism of action of ketogenic diets: (1) a direct anticonvulsant effect of KBs; (2) a reduced neuronal excitability induced by KBs;39 (3) an effect on the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway.40 In 2008, Hartman et al.41 demonstrated the efficacy of a ketogenic diet in the 6-Hz seizure test in mice, but also reported that the protection from seizures was not related to the level of ketosis in the blood, indicating that mechanism(s) of action other than those directly linked to the blood concentration of KBs should be investigated. Most researchers suggest that the metabolic mechanism(s) activated by ketogenic diets (see above) may influence neurotransmitter activity in neurons and this is currently a field of active research. Although the mechanisms of action are not clear, the ketogenic diet is now considered an established part of an integrative approach, along with drug therapy, in the major epilepsy centres worldwide,42 an important benefit being the reduction of drug use and concomitant reductions in severe side effects often associated with antiepileptic agents. The effectiveness of ketogenic diets is strongly supported in a recent Cochrane review where all studies showed a 30–40% reduction in seizures compared with comparative controls, and the review authors reported that in children the effects were ‘comparable to modern antiepileptic drugs’. The main drawback with the ketogenic diet was difficult tolerability and high dropout rates—given the extremely positive results and the severe side effects common with antiepilepsy medication, the development of an easier-to-follow ketogenic diet would be a worthwhile goal.5

In conclusion, the role of ketogenic diets in epilepsy treatment is well established and we are confident that this is also the case for weight loss, cardiovascular disease and T2D. The recent research reviewed here demonstrate improvements in many risk factors, such as weight, saturated fats, inflammation and other biomarkers, as a consequence of consuming well-formulated low-carbohydrate diets, and this work should encourage continued close examination of their therapeutic value (Figure 1).

Ketogenic Therapies for: ACNE

Here is just one study showing the efficacy of the ketogenic diet in helping ACNE:

Beyond weight loss: a review of the therapeutic uses of very-low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) dietsOPENA Paoli1, A Rubini1, J S Volek2 and K A Grimaldi3

Acne In recent years there have been an increasing number of studies published, suggesting that at least for certain food types there is a nutritional influence on the development of acne. The negative effects seem to lie in the capacity of some foods/nutrients to stimulate proliferative pathways that in turn stimulate development of acne—suspect foods include those with a high glycaemic load and milk.11, 43, 44 Other evidence comes from several studies reporting that the prevalence of acne varies significantly between different populations and is substantially lower in non-Westernized populations that follow traditional diets,45a common factor among these traditional diets being a low glycaemic load.46Various studies have provided evidence that high-glycaemic-load diets are implicated in the aetiology of acne through their capacity to stimulate insulin, androgen bioavailability and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) activity, whereas the beneficial effects of low-glycaemic-load diets, apart from weight and blood glucose levels, also include improved skin quality.44 The clinical and experimental evidence does in fact suggest ways in which insulin can increase androgen production and affect via induction of steroidogenic enzymes,47 the secretion by the pituitary gland of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and the production of sex hormone-binding globulin.48 Insulin is also able to reduce serum levels of IGF-binding protein-1 increasing the effect of IGF-1.49 These insulin-mediated actions can therefore influence diverse factors that underlie the development of acne such as:

The increased proliferation of basal keratinocytes within the pilosebaceous ducts.

An abnormal desquamation of the follicular epithelium.

Increased androgen-mediated sebum production.

Colonization of the stratum corneum by Propionibacterium acnes and consequent inflammation.46

In summary, there is persuasive, although not yet conclusive, clinical and physiological evidence that the ketogenic diet could be effective in reducing the severity and progression of acne and randomized clinical trials will be required to resolve the issue.11

Beyond weight loss: a review of the therapeutic uses of very-low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) dietsOPENA Paoli1, A Rubini1, J S Volek2 and K A Grimaldi3

Carcinogenesis is a complex process involving multiple sequential mutations, which occur randomly in the DNA of normal cells over many years, even decades, until finally specific genes are mutated and cell growth becomes out of control resulting in the full neoplastic phenotype and often metastasis. There is evidence that hyperinsulinaemia, hyperglycaemia and chronic inflammation may affect the neoplastic process through various pathways, including the insulin/IGF-1 pathway, and most cancer cells express insulin and IGF-1 receptors. Insulin has been shown to stimulate mitogenesis (even in cells lacking IGF-1 receptors)50 and it may also contribute by stimulating multiple cancer mechanisms, including proliferation, protection from apoptotic stimuli, invasion and metastasis.51 The IFG1/insulin pathway may also enhance the promotion and progression of many types of cancer cells and facilitate cancer diffusion through angiogenesis.52 Insulin may act directly, but also indirectly through IGF-1, as it reduces hepatic IGF-binding protein-1 and -2 production,53thereby increasing the levels of circulating, free active IGF-1, which may have a role in cancerogenesis due to its mitogenic and antiapoptotic activity.53Considering the obvious relationship between carbohydrates and insulin (and IGF-1) a connection between carbohydrate and cancer is a possible consequence, and some links have been recognized since the 1920s when the Russo-German physician Dr A Braunstein observed that glycosuria falls off notably in diabetic patients who developed cancer.54 Later Warburg et al.55 of the Kaiser Wilheim Institute fur biologie described what was later known as the Warburg effect—where energy is predominantly generated by a high rate of glycolysis followed by lactic acid fermentation in the cytosol, even in the presence of plentiful oxygen.51, 55 The Warburg effect has been confirmed in many studies and today is a well-established hallmark of many types of cancers, and rapidly growing tumour cells typically have glycolytic rates up to 200 times higher than those of their normal tissues of origin.56 As stated above, the stimulus of the insulin/IGF-1 pathway is involved in cancer development, but also mitochondrial damage or dysfunction may have a role.18, 57, 58 Dysfunctional mitochondria may upregulate some oncogenes of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt mammalian target of rapamycin signalling pathway.58 Akt, a downstream of insulin signalling,59 is involved in changes in tumour cell metabolism and increases resistance to apoptosis; it also decreases β-oxidation and increases lipid synthesis in the cytosol.60 Hence, it seems a reasonable possibility that a very-low-carbohydrate diet could help to reduce the progression of some types of cancer, although at present the evidence is preliminary.61 In the 1980s, seminal animal studies by Tisdale and colleagues62, 63 demonstrated that a ketogenic diet was capable to reduce tumour size in mice, whereas more recent research has provided evidence that ketogenic diets may reduce tumour progression in humans, at least as far as gastric and brain cancers are concerned.64, 65, 66, 67Although no randomized controlled trials with VLCKD have yet been conducted on patients and the bulk of evidence in relation to the influence of VLCKD on patient survival is still anecdotal,68, 69, 70 a very recent paper by Fine et al.71 suggests that the insulin inhibition caused by a ketogenic diet could be a feasible adjunctive treatment for patients with cancer.

In summary, perhaps through glucose ‘starvation’ of tumour cells and by reducing the effect of direct insulin-related actions on cell growth, ketogenic diets show promise as an aid in at least some kind of cancer therapy and is deserving of further and deeper investigation—certainly the evidence justifies setting up clinical trials.

Ketogenic Therapies for: Polycystic ovary syndrome

Here is just one study showing the efficacy of the ketogenic diet in helping Polycystic ovary syndrome :

Beyond weight loss: a review of the therapeutic uses of very-low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) dietsOPENA Paoli1, A Rubini1, J S Volek2 and K A Grimaldi3

​Polycystic ovary syndrome Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in females, with a high prevalence (6–10%);72 symptoms include hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, obesity, insulin resistance and subfertility. Insulin resistance and related hyperinsulinaemia is actually a very common feature affecting about 65–70% of women with PCOS;73 it is seen most frequently in obese patients, affecting 70–80%, compared with only 20–25% of lean PCOS sufferers.72 Despite this observation, insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia appear to be linked to PCOS independently of obesity, and modifications in the normal cellular mechanisms of insulin signalling have been demonstrated in both lean and obese patients. Furthermore, high blood levels of insulin can act by increasing androgenous hormonal stimulation of the ovarian theca cells as well as potentiating gonadotropin-stimulated ovarian androgen steroidogenesis—although recent data has suggested that the insulin-induced increase in ovarian hormone secretion is not accompanied by increased steroid metabolism.74 Hyperinsulinaemia may also affect the central actions of androgen by impairing progesterone inhibition of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulse generator.75 Insulin has also been shown to increase expression of adrenal steroidogenic enzyme mRNA47 as well as adrenal responsiveness to adrenocorticotropic hormone.76

Women with PCOS frequently demonstrate many of the signs related to metabolic syndrome, such as insulin resistance, obesity, glucose intolerance, T2D, dyslipidemia and also high levels of inflammation. Suggested treatments include those that reduce insulin resistance/hyperinsulinaemia, such as lifestyle modifications (exercise, diet and weight loss) and pharmacological treatments that include the administration of thiazolidinediones or metformin. It is evident that any interventions that improve insulinaemia and reduce body weight may also be effective in reducing hyperandrogenism, normalizing ovulation and reducing the various symptoms of PCOS.

Finally, although we only have preliminary evidence of the positive effects of VLCKD in PCOS,77 there are clear mechanisms that are consistent with the physiological plausibility of such dietary therapy.

Ketogenic Therapies for: Alzheimer’s disease

Here is just one study showing the efficacy of the ketogenic diet in helping Alzheimer’s disease :Beyond weight loss: a review of the therapeutic uses of very-low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) dietsOPENA Paoli1, A Rubini1, J S Volek2 and K A Grimaldi3

Neurological diseases Emerging data suggest a possible therapeutic utilization of ketogenic diets in multiple neurological disorders apart from epilepsy,78including head ache, neurotrauma, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, sleep disorders, brain cancer, autism and multiple sclerosis.79 Although these various diseases are clearly different from each other, a common basis potentially explaining ketogenic diet efficacy could be a neuroprotective effect in any disease in which the pathogenesis includes abnormalities in cellular energy utilization, which is a common characteristic in many neurological disorders.79The exact mechanism(s) by which a ketogenic diet may act is still poorly understood; however, some published reports can provide useful suggestions. For example, KBs were recently reported to act as neuroprotective agents by raising ATP levels and reducing the production of reactive oxygen species in neurological tissues,80 together with increased mitochondrial biogenesis, which may help to enhance the regulation of synaptic function.80 Moreover, the increased synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids stimulated by a KD may have a role in the regulation of neuronal membrane excitability: it has been demonstrated, for example, that polyunsaturated fatty acids modulate the excitability of neurons by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels.81 Another possibility is that by reducing glucose metabolism, ketogenic diets may activate anticonvulsant mechanisms, as has been reported in a rat model.82 In addition, caloric restriction per se has been suggested to exert neuroprotective effects, including improved mitochondrial function, decreased oxidative stress and apoptosis, and inhibition of proinflammatory mediators, such as the cytokines tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukins.83 Although promising data have been collected (see below), at the present time the real clinical benefits of ketogenic diets in most neurological diseases remain largely speculative and uncertain, with the significant exception of its use in the treatment of convulsion.

Alzheimer’s diseasePatients affected with Alzheimer’s disease show a higher incidence of seizures compared with unaffected people,84 and it has recently been reported that neuronal excitability is enhanced,85, 86 and neuronal circuits and mitochondrial homeostasis are altered.87

On the basis of the reports described above, these results indicate a possible role of the ketogenic diet in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in the clinic. Supporting evidence is provided by a study, which reported that at least in selected conditions a significant clinical improvement was observed in Alzheimer’s patients fed a ketogenic diet.88 It was suggested that this was, at least in part, related to improved mitochondrial function secondary to the reported protective effects of KBs against the toxic consequences of the exposure of cultured neurons to β-amyloid.89 In an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease, transgenic mice consuming a ketogenic diet exhibited better mitochondrial function and less oxidative stress and β-amyloid deposition when compared with normally fed controls.90 These promising results should encourage further research that is necessary to improve our understanding about the potential benefits of ketogenic diets in this debilitating and, thus far, irreversible disease.

Parkinson’s diseaseThe possible beneficial effects of ketogenic diets on mitochondrial activity described above has also been proposed to explain the improved scores on a standard gravity scale of Parkinson’ disease exhibited by some patients.91 In addition, the typical mitochondrial respiratory chain damage that occurs in animal models of Parkinson’s disease was reduced by a ketogenic diet;89 however, the real utility of this diet remains largely speculative and uncertain.

Brain trauma Traumatic brain injury may lead over time to epilepsy. Because of the effective use of the ketogenic diet in reducing seizures (see above), it has been suggested that it may also improve the clinical status in brain injury, especially by reducing the incidence of long-term consequences, such as epilepsy.79 Positive effects of a ketogenic diet have also been reported in reducing the cortical contusion volume in an age-dependent manner in an animal model of cortical injury, which is related to the maturation-dependent variability in brain ketone metabolism.92 These findings were also supported by the demonstration that a ketogenic diet reduced post-traumatic cognitive and motor function impairment, at least in a rat model.93

The antiepileptogenic activity of the ketogenic diet after traumatic brain damage is controversial though,94 and further studies are needed to increase related knowledge.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Dysfunction in energy production, that is, mitochondrial function impairment, is likely to have a role in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases, perhaps including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. On this basis, a ketogenic diet has been proposed as a collateral therapeutic approach in this disease.95 Studies by Zhao et al.96 revealed both histological and functional improvements in an animal model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis when a ketogenic diet was given compared with when given a control diet. Although survival time was not increased, a higher motor neuron count and lower motor function impairment was reported among the findings.

Nevertheless, direct experimentation and clinical trials in humans are still lacking at the present time, and to avoid the possibility of generating false hopes the preliminary data from animal models obviously have to be considered very cautiously.

Ketogenic Therapies for: Fatty Liver Disease

Here is just one study showing the efficacy of the ketogenic diet in helping Fatty Liver Disease:

Beyond weight loss: a review of the therapeutic uses of very-low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) dietsOPENA Paoli1, A Rubini1, J S Volek2 and K A Grimaldi3

When the fat stored in the liver accounts for more than 10% of the liver’s weight, the function of the liver becomes compromised, and the liver can't metabolize insulin and fine tune blood sugar levels as it would normally.

This type of liver disease is called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and if left untreated, it can result in liver damage or liver cancer.

What Causes NAFLD?High Triglycerides

High blood triglyceride levels associated with: High carbohydrate and fructose consumption. The elevated triglycerides which cause fatty liver disease are a direct result of a diet which is high in carbohydrates, and specifically, high in fructose. Study after study has shown that fructose consumption elevates blood pressure, sky rockets triglyceride levels and increases inflammation and insulin resistance in the liver.Insulin resistant body systems. A high carb consumption and lack of exercise is strongly associated with the development of overall body insulin resistance and high triglycerides levels. See this study, and this study shows that a high carbohyrate diet is linked to liver dysfunction.

Vegetable Oil Consumption

High levels of vegetable oil consumption. Vegetables oils contain omega-6 polyunsaturated fats which are inflammatory when consumed in large amounts. In addition, they are often hydrogenated to solidify them, and this introduces trans-fats which can also damage the liver. The most prevalent are corn, canola, and soybean oil. These oils are commonly found in commercial mayonnaise and salad dressings.

Alternatives include high quality olive oils (the cheaper ones tend to be cut with canola or other vegetable oils) and nut oils, since these are monounsaturated oils, and don't effect the liver in the same way as polyunsaturated oils.

Note: You can test to see if your olive oil has been adulterated with soybean, cottonseed, or corn oil. Just put it in your refrigerator. Within a day or two, pure olive oil solidifies. If there is more than 20% of these other oils in it, it will never solidify at refrigerator temperature.

Choline Deficiency

Choline Deficiency: A deficiency of choline, one of the B vitamins, has been shown in several studies to be associated with the development of fatty liver disease. This study demonstrated that a lack of choline results in liver damage, and giving choline rich supplements or foods reverses the damage. See these blog posts for more detail:

Lack of Saturated Fat Consumption: At least two studies, one from Duke University, and one from Cambridge University have shown that reducing carbohydrate consumption and increasing saturated fat intake helps the liver shed excess fat in as little as three days.

CAVEAT: Chris Masterjohn, in his posts on this subject notes that sufficient choline needs to be available for cleansing. In another study here, the authors write: "Several lines of investigation indicate that dietary fat can modulate the severity of alcoholic liver injury...In experimental animals, for example, diets enriched with saturated fatty acids protect against alcohol-induced liver injury, whereas diets containing polyunsaturated fatty acids promote liver injury. Saturated fatty acids have also been reported to reverse established alcoholic liver injury."

Treating Fatty Liver DiseaseThe treatment for a fatty liver includes avoiding the factors which contribute to it. Following a ketogenic diet makes it very easy to avoid problem foods, and steers you toward the foods which help your liver recover and thrive. Here are the best ways to treat a fatty liver successfully:

Start aketogenic diet plan. This involves reducing your carbohydrate intake and increasing your saturated fat intake. Here's a study which shows how these changes help the liver heal. And another here.

Get some exercise. This study demonstrates has exercise can help with muscle insulin resistance even in the presence of carb consumption.

Avoid all foods containing fructose. Read labels and don't eat foods which contain high fructose corn syrup, white sugar (50% fructose), honey (40% fructose), and agave syrup, which can be up to 90% fructose. Sodas are the obvious culprit, but you'll find fructose in foods ranging from ketchup to sliced ham.

Ketone EffectsThe latest research on multiple sclerosis treatment and the ketogenic diet indicates that the diet can be beneficial for MS patients because it supports and enhances mitochondrial energy pathways and alleviates detrimental energy pathway factors and nerve cell damage which contribute to MS. What that means is that the capability of a nerve cell to make fuel for itself in a way that is less detrimental is enhanced when one is in ketosis.

In a paper by Stafstrom and Rho, the authors discuss the mechanisms of neuron (nerve cell) protection and how a ketogenic diet provides nutritional substrates which can support neuron function and total cellular health. Part of that support includes a reduction in what he authors call "glycolytic flux". This means that because less glucose is burned in the energy creation pathways of the cell, less oxidative stress is created and this reduction in free radical stress translates into healthier cells. Another study using mice also gave some indication on how a ketogenic diet can help reduce neuronal inflammation through this same mechanism.

In addition, ketone bodies themselves are neuroprotective because when cells use them as energy substrates, more energy in the form of ATP is created and free radical or reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is reduced, which translates again to less overall cellular stress and more available energy for brain cells to use. In addition, the ketogenic diet enhances mitochondrial biogenesis meaning more mitochondria are made in the cell and that means more energy and better body health.

Hence, the ketogenic diet is an effective multiple sclerosis treatment. And because dysfunctional energy creation pathways are at the root of most disease, it is not surprising that a ketogenic diet is also beneficial for many other nerve diseases such as epilepsy and Parkinsons.

These results are particularly exciting given that MS is a result of an inflammatory and autoimmune driven process which causes damage to the myelin sheath around neurons. This neuron demyelation then results in damage to the ability of the nerve cell to propagate electrical signals and make proper connections to other nerve cells. The combination of benefits provided by the presence of ketones can normalize and enhance neuronal function, and this can then result in a return of normal body function.

Multiple Sclerosis Treatment ResourcesDr. Terry Wahls has written extensively on how she used diet to recover from MS. As her research progresses, she is finding that moving toward a ketogenic diet is even more beneficial and she is in the process of setting up research protocols to look at the efficacy of the diet for MS. Her latest book is highly recommended. In it, she outlines her dietary protocol and how she is moving toward a more ketogenic approach.

AutismDiet as TreatmentResearch and treatments involving an autism diet are gaining acceptance. The ketogenic diet in particular is showing promise as an effective option.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are general designations for an assortment of brain development disorders which usually manifest between two and three years of age. The disorder can manifest in all or either of several different ways:

difficulties in social interaction

difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication

repetitive behaviors

other physical problems such as sensory processing difficulties

medical issues such as seizures, genetic disorders and gastrointestinal problems

difficulty controlling emotions

The prevalence of autism is growing at an alarming rate in the US. Statistics estimate that the rates of autism have increased between 10 and 17% annually in the past few years, making it the fastest growing developmental disability. For some reason, autism is more common in boys than in girls. It is estimated that 1 out of every 54 boys and 1 in every 252 girls are diagnosed autistic in the US.

Autism is a Metabolic and Diet Related DisorderAs more research is done, it is becoming clearer that autism has metabolic (mitochondrial dysfunction) and dietary aspects which should be addressed during treatment. In a paper by Cubala-Kucharska, the following conditions are noted as aggravating factors for autism: “chronic inflammation of gastrointestinal tract, dysbiosis, maldigestion, malabsorption, malnutrition, food intolerance, allergies, chronic viral, fungal and bacterial infections, impaired kidney function, impaired detoxification of endo- and exotoxins, disorders of metal ion transportation. Treatment of the above mentioned conditions combined with improving detoxification mechanisms, followed by a special diet and individually customized supplementation of nutritional deficiencies may lead to the improvement of the functioning of these patients, changing their level of functioning and self-dependence. “

Strangely, while the ketogenic diet has been an accepted treatment for epileptic seizures for over 90 years, not much research has gone into treating autism with the same diet. However, there has been some movement in the autism diet research area, and it has revealed that a ketogenic diet can have some profound, positive effects when used as an autism treatment.

In 2013, a case study published in the Journal of Child Neurology discussed a child with autism and epilepsy who was placed first on a casein and gluten free diet, and eventually advanced to a gluten free, casein free ketogenic diet. Fourteen months later, not only were her seizures resolved, but her score on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale fell from 49 to 17, which means she went from being severely autistic to Non-autistic, and her intelligence score increased 70 points. The child’s weight also went from obese to normal and her behavior and cognitive skills improved.

In a 2003 study, researchers placed 30 autistic children on a ketogenic diet. Twelve of the children dropped out of the study, but of the remaining children, 60% of them (18 total) showed improvement in several parameters measured on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, with 10 of those patients showing marked improvement.

﻿For more information on the use of a ketogenic diet in treating autism and other information on autism diets, see this article by Dr. Emily Deans in Psychology Today.

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